ANTIPOLO – TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa came into the defense of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson after the latter got ejected during their eventual win over Converge in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Saturday night.
The cage legend said that the celebrated import never intended to throw the ball at anyone else, particularly to opposing guard Mike Nieto, as he was assessed for a flagrant foul penalty 2 (F2) barely a minute into the second half.
“I think there was no malice or intent for Rondae na tamaan niya ng bola ‘yun,” offered Lastimosa during the postgame press conference of their 101-98 overtime victory at the Ynares Center here — their first win of the season.
“Why would he? Importante masyado ‘yung game for us. But that’s how the officials saw it.”
Hollis-Jefferson hit the showers early following an F2 infraction at the 11:18-mark of the third quarter after he hit Nieto with the ball shortly after converting a one-handed dunk, which pushed their lead to 17 points, 58-41.
He left with 14 points and 11 rebounds in the disappointing exit, which spoiled his season debut after sitting out the opener due to gastroenteritis.
Lastimosa insisted that it was accidental, although such actions, per PBA rules, merits an automatic ejection for a player — regardless if it was intended or not.
(C) PBA Images
“Ang basa ko doon… he’s been frustrated the whole time. He’s getting pushed around. And then when he made the basket — I felt like there was a foul — I think he wanted to grab the ball, gusto niyang kunin yung bola,” he said.
“And then parang nawala lang ‘yung bola sa kanya, like this,” Lastimosa added while enacting a swinging motion with his arm, “nawala, pumunta sa ulo.”
Still, TNT managed to hack out the narrow victory, with Jayson Castro taking over the cudgels and the tandem of Jewel Ponferrada and Brian Heruela coming up with the important hits in OT to save their side from a 17-point collapse.
But Lastimosa couldn’t help but lament the ejection of Hollis-Jefferson, who also had three assists plus a steal and a block to his line, in such a manner.
“It was just sad na flagrant 2 ‘yung import ninyo just like that,” he said.
